Today California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order placing a moratorium on executions. The order will affect over 700 people on death row.
“This is an important step towards establishing a better criminal justice system that respects human rights,” said Kristina Roth, senior program officer of Amnesty International USA’s criminal justice program. “California has made a significant move toward being on the right side of history as momentum continues against the death penalty. While this is an important development, we will continue to work for the complete abolition of the death penalty in all states and nations around the world.”
Amnesty International USA opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception as the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. As of today, 142 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.